What Are the Best and Safest Techniques for a Secondary (Not Revision, Just Fading Results) Facelift?

This really depends on the patient.  In general, there are many different ways to perform a facelift, and a consultation with qualified surgeon can help determine the best procedure for you based on your individual needs. There are two main options to consider when deciding to have a facelift:

1) Traditional facelift: a great option for a patient with more advanced signs of aging who wants to refresh their neck, jawline, and cheeks.
2) Mini facelift: A less invasive facelift that rejuvenates the lower third of the face, including the jowls and neck.
 
There are also  a variety of additional procedures that can be used in conjunction with a facelift or mini facelift to achieve optimal results. These options include but are not limited to:

1) Liposuction of the jowl or neck
2) Fat transfer to the face
3) Cheek implants

Technique varies from surgeon to surgeon, and one can only tell what would be best for you following a thorough exam.  When seeking a touch up,  it is not likely you would need a very invasive procedure. But this can depend on what was performed during your initial surgery, and whether or not the procedure was performed properly.  A facelift typically lasts around 10 years before any touch ups are necessary.  Only an in-person exam and thorough evaluation can help determine the best option for you. I would recommend seeking the advice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon to help determine your next steps. Thanks and good luck!

Mini Facelift Effective Option for Secondary Facial Rejeuvenation following full facelift.

A full or "traditional" facelift  addresses the sagging upper and lower neck skin and (platysmal) vertical neck bands, jowls,  lower and mid nasolabial folds and marionette lines. It involves incisions from the temple scalp, along the front of the ear (inside the mid part for women), behind the ear in the crease then along or into the scalp hair behind the ear towards the back of your neck with undermining of the skin and  tightening of underlying support tissues. After this has been performed the aging process continues but most of the resultant sagging can be refreshed with a mini lift.

A mini-facelift, or "short scar facelift" or as I call it in my practice a LiteLift addresses all of the above except for the lower neck. The difference is that the incisions are shorter - basically the same description in front of the ear and temple scalp but ending at the level of the earlobe (in front or in back) - as much as 40% less scarring.We do most of these procedures with oral sedation and local anesthesia without IV's or general anesthesia.This seems to be the best choice for most of my patients wanting a secondary facelift procedure.